25 Jul - Far West

This was the center of the Church for a little more than 200 days from March 14 to October 31, 1838. At its height, Far West and the surrounding towns had 10,000 people, along with schools, shops, etc. It is from here that the Prophet Joseph is betrayed and taken to Independence, then Richmond, and finally Liberty. Haun’s Mill is not far from here where many Saints were massacred. Even though we have inspiring stories of this time of Saints like Amanda Smith (getting revelation to rebuild her son’s hip), Joseph Smith said, “Up to this day God had given me wisdom to save the people who took counsel. None had ever been killed who abode by my counsel. At Haun’s Mill the brethren went contrary to my counsel; if they had not, their lives would have been spared.” (History of the Church, Volume 5, p. 137) On the other hand, John Butler left his home on the prophet’s counsel, and his life was spared.

Here at Far West, Sidney Rigdon spoke at a 4th of July Celebration. He said, “On the 4th of July [1838], Sidney Rigdon delivered his declaration of independence, which enraged the mob worse than ever, so that by fall the whole country was under arms. (Allen Stout, Journal) He spoke of the Gentile persecution and said the Saints would take it no longer. If the mobs persisted, there would be a war of extermination. “Rigdon’s motion was the main auxiliary that fanned into flame the burning wrath of the mobocratic portions of the Missourians.” (Jim Grant, BYU Studies 14, #41, p. 503) A few weeks later, Rigdon gave the Salt Sermon, emphasizing that those whose light no longer shone were good for nothing but to be trodden under foot of men. (D&C 101:39-41)

During a speech, lightning hit a tree and split it. Joseph told the people, “…so shall the nations of the earth be split in the last days.”

Several battles were fought here. Apostle David W. Patten died at the Battle of Crooked River. Mobs overran the town and raped women and girls. They killed animals, as well as men, women and children. Bro. Dibble is injured and receives a blessing. He then throws up cloth, blood, and the bullets. Many miracles happened during this time. Emma has the manuscripts of the scriptures sewn into her skirts and she carries them all the way to Nauvoo. Alexander Hale Smith and Joseph F. Smith are born in Far West.